Description
This Layered Zucchini Ricotta Melts with Marinara is a delicious Italian-inspired vegetarian main course featuring tender grilled zucchini slices layered with a creamy ricotta and mozzarella mixture, topped with marinara sauce and baked to bubbly, golden perfection. A low-carb alternative to traditional lasagna, it’s perfect for a healthy, satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 3 medium zucchini, sliced lengthwise into 1/4-inch strips
Cheeses
- 1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, plus extra for topping
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Other Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped or 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Prep the Zucchini: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Lightly salt the zucchini slices and let them sit for 10 minutes to draw out excess moisture. Afterward, pat them dry thoroughly with paper towels to ensure they don’t release too much water during baking.
- Mix the Cheese Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, the egg, minced garlic, chopped basil, and black pepper. Stir well until the mixture is smooth and evenly blended.
- Cook the Zucchini: Brush both sides of the zucchini slices lightly with olive oil. Grill them or bake in the oven for 5 to 7 minutes, just until they become tender but not fully cooked. This step helps prevent sogginess in the final dish.
- Assemble the Layers: In a baking dish, spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom. Arrange a layer of the grilled zucchini slices over the sauce, then spread some of the ricotta cheese mixture on top. Continue layering zucchini and ricotta mixture until all ingredients are used, making sure to finish with a generous layer of marinara sauce. Sprinkle extra shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
- Bake the Melts: Place the assembled dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. Bake until the sauce is bubbly and the top is golden and slightly browned.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This allows the layers to set and makes it easier to cut and serve.
Notes
- For a low-carb version, ensure the marinara sauce you use has no added sugar.
- To increase protein, you can add cooked ground turkey or sausage between the layers.
- Substitute cottage cheese for ricotta if you prefer a different texture.
